Effect of anemia on HbA1c level in subjects with normal glucose tolerance.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) on HbA1c levels in non-diabetic Pakistani individuals. Study Design: Observational Study. Setting: Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Baqai Medical University Karachi. Period: March 2019 to May 2019. Material & Methods: After approval by the ethics committee of BMU. A world Health Organization (WHO) criterion was used for screening normal glucose tolerance. Subject with type 1 and 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes were excluded. Selected subjects were categorized into 2 groups (anemic and non-anemic). Data was collected on a structured questionnaire. Result: Out of 139 subjects, 72 were males and 67, were females. Anemia was more common in males as compared to females (34.7% vs 19.4%). Among males, HbA1c level was found higher in anemic subjects with MCV<76fl than anemic subjects with MCV>76fl and subjects without anemia. While in females, HbA1c level was similar in both anemic and non-anemic subjects. Conclusion: HbA1c as a diagnostic marker should be assessed carefully as the presence of IDA can lead to falsely elevated HbA1c levels in non-diabetic subjects.